League wagon rolls on in Papua new
Guinea

Another minnow applies to affiliate with PNGRFL

Kurumul is the latest rural association that has expressed interest to affiliate to PNG Rugby Football League in the 2005 season.

Kurumul?s expression has increased the number of leagues who have expressed their interest so far from 27 to 28.

The other leagues are Bialla, Bulolo, East New Britain, Goroka, Kimbe, Koiari, Kundiawa, Lae, Madang, Mendi, Mt Hagen, Nondugl, Pangia, Porgera, Poreporena, Port Moresby, Ramu, Tabubil, Wabag, Kerema, Imbongu, Malalaua, Kavieng, Tari, Moresby South, Wewak and Kiunga.

But again, expressing interest is one thing, and PNGRFL general manager Joe Tokam said those leagues wishing to affiliate must send their necessary documentation as required by the League?s constitution to the Office of General Manager in Goroka, no later than Feb 7 (Sunday).

Tokam has acknowledged receipt of the expression of interest and has advised the administration of the Kurumul Rugby League to go ahead with the preparations to fulfill the requirements of the PNGRFL.

The Kurumul area, known for producing some of the finest tea in the early ?70s and ?80s is situated between Minj, Banz and Kudjip in the Western Highlands province.

It will draw players from these areas as the leagues of Minj and Banz are now defunct.

Interim President of the Kurumul Rugby League , Samson Kambia said that the league had the wide support from the area and already there were eight clubs ready to field two senior grades and two junior grades in the competition that many in the area support will take off in a big way.

?We are new and will only accept eight clubs with four grades for this year in our league general meeting planned for Friday this week despite receiving many interest from the Waghi area,? Kambia said.

Kambia said that sixteen referees have been identified, and have been drawn from the Minj and Banz rugby leagues with the clubs having already named their officials.

It is understood that the official positions within the Kurumul Rugby League will be ratified in the special meeting planned for Friday this week.

?The eight clubs have already paid up their fees, including player registrations and are looking forward to fulfilling all the requirements of the PNGRFL, and take part in the annual general meeting planned for in Lae,? Kambia said.

It is understood that Kurumul will name a Waghi Tumbe side that will take part in the Chemica Didiman selection trails scheduled for the March 3 ? 5 in Mount Hagen.

Local chief Kisip Wiabi said that the introduction of the league in the area has had a positive impact on social problems in the area, and he was seeing youths taking the game more seriously and are excited about getting the game going.

?Home brew consumption, cultivation of marijuana and highway hold-ups in this section of the highway has been reduced and we are now seeing some order in the community, and we will do every thing in the area to see this league prosper,? Wiabi said.

League president, Kambia has asked all local leaders and business houses in the area to support the worthy cause not only to play rugby league but also to address social issues in law and order and HIV/AIDS in the Waghi area where its is common.